Check-Raising in No Limit Poker Games

Texas Holdem, No Limit Poker
October 19 2008

In No Limit Holdem the check-raise is an important weapon. This move is used to steal small pots or to trap aggressive players. It’s very effective at finding out where you stand in a hand because it’s telling your opponent that you have a big hand, and they'd better have one too.

A check-raise is effective from an early position because it looks like you didn’t want to bet away your action with a big hand. Once someone bet, you decided to raise them back, representing strength. The late-position bet is often a bluff, and you’ll take down pots at a high percentage. Save these check-raises for situations where it seems that your opponents may be making a move to steal the pot, and you should have some outs to a better hand as well.

If you’re able to show good cards after check-raising you’ll get more respect during the spots when you’re bluffing. Establishing that this is a move you make with a big hand will deter people from calling you down to see if you’re honest.

Check-raising the turn can be even more effective. This move looks like you were slow-playing the hand until they took two stabs at the pot. Most players will only stick around with a big hand at that point. If they do stay in the hand, you’ll know that you’re in there against a good hand.

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